The Whiskey River Bar and Grill, 5512 Stewart Ave., Wausau, was one of two taverns burglarized in the early morning hours of Sept. 30.

Written by

Shereen Siewert
Daily Herald Media

Reports of burglaries in Wausau homes and businesses doubled in September, a surge officials blame on a rise in drug use in the community.

Wausau police received 35 reports of break-ins in September, up from a monthly average of 18, Wausau Police Capt. Greg Hagenbucher said. That number included two Wausau taverns that were victimized on the same night; investigators are working to determine if those break-ins were committed by the same group of people.

"In most, it appears the suspects were looking for money or cash, as valuables were left behind," Hagenbucher said. ...